My homeland has changed a lot over the years. Some people still have this idea that Ireland is horse-and-cart country but that's just so wrong, and Dublin, in particular, has become very cosmopolitan and boasts incredible restaurants, bars and hotels.

What makes the city so special?

The human element. It's a very friendly city and most of the people are so grounded. People like that and come from all over the world to take part in the constant carnival that is Dublin. It's a party town.

Paracetamol – for the inevitable hangover the morning after a night on the town (see 'Where would you send a first-time visitor?').

What's the first thing you do when you return?

After seeing my family, I go to my local for my favourite tipple – a pint of Guinness.

Where's the best place to stay?

My advice is to stay at the Westbury Hotel (00353 1 679 1122; www.doylecollection.com), which is right in the heart of the city on Grafton Street – great for shops, restaurants and bars.

Where would you meet friends for a drink?

I live in the coastal village of Malahide, 10 miles from Dublin, and there is a top pub there called Gibney's (845 0606; www.gibneys.com) – a typical Irish pub – and me and the lads will get together there on a Tuesday night. There's nothing like it.

What is your favourite place to lunch?

My favourite place at the moment is Marco Pierre White's restaurant, The Steakhouse and Grill (51 Dawson Street; 677 1155; www.marcopierrewhite.ie). They do international cuisine but the steaks are absolutely incredible.

And for dinner?

I would probably go to Shanahan's on the Green (119 St Stephen's Green; 407 0939; www.shanahans.ie) if I'm going out with my family.

It's an American-style steakhouse run by an Irish-American family, and the service and quality of food are just outstanding. I do like my steaks.

Where would you send a first-time visitor?

Temple Bar is a wonderful place to visit, especially if it's your first time in the city. With its cobbled streets, party atmosphere, and little bars and restaurants crammed with people, it is a little crazy at times but it's a lot of fun.

What would you tell them to avoid?

Ironically, Temple Bar – at the weekend. Because on a Friday and Saturday night it's full of stag parties and is just a little too wild – at least for my liking. If you're going to go, visit during the week.

What should I take home?

A taste for Guinness, because – and I know this for a fact – you can only get a really great pint of it in Ireland. It might sound a cliché, but it's true.

Is there anywhere that isn't your kind of town?

I've never really visited anywhere in the world that I just had to get out of straight away. I always try to find the best in a city, be it a bar or a restaurant, a club or a park.

Boyzone's latest album, 'Brother', is out now. To find out more about Ronan's forthcoming 2011 tour, visit www.ronankeating.com.

Dublin essentials

By Andrea Valentino

Getting there

Bmi (0844 848 4888; flybmi.com) flies three times daily from Heathrow from £46.50; Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) flies regularly from a number of British cities, including Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham. Sea crossings on Stena Line (08445 762762; www.stenaline.co.uk) from Holyhead to Dublin, and with P & O (08716 642020; www.poferries.com) from Liverpool, both start from £69.

Hotels

The Clarence (00353 1 407 0800; www.theclarance.ie; doubles from €109/£92) is one of the city's smartest hotels, a grand 19th-century building on the banks of the Liffey. Alternatively, try The Morgan (643 7000; www.themorgan.com; doubles from €155/£131), a designer hotel with minimalist rooms within walking distance of Christchurch Cathedral. The Hampton (668 0995; www.hamptonhotel.ie; doubles from €99/£84) is a relative newcomer, mixing contemporary styling with traditional Georgian elegance.

Tours

The Guinness Factory tour (408 4800; www.guinness-storehouse.com) is well known, but less well-known tours include the Old Jameson Distillery Visitor Centre (807 2355; http://tours.jamesonwhiskey.com; from €10/£8), with a visit to the distillery and a chance to taste the finished product. The 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour (685 83847; www.1916rising.com; €12/£10 per person) charts the course of the 1916 rising. The James Joyce Walking Tour (878 8547; www.jamesjoyce.ie; €10/£8 per person) is also highly recommended.

Restaurants and cafes

L'Ecrivain (661 1919; www.lecrivain.com) serves sophisticated French cuisine, while the Tea Rooms in The Clarence (see above) is considered one of the best Irish restaurants in the country; Cork crubeens (pig's trotters) are a speciality. The Cake Shop (633 4477) in Pleasant Place is one of the best places in town to eat home-made cakes; it also has tables outside during good weather.

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